Karna govt invokes ESMA to deal with proposed police stir

Bracing itself to deal with the threat by the constabulary to go on mass leave on June 4, Karnataka government has brought the state police and related services under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
The government has issued a notification stating that ESMA provisions were being invoked to maintain public order and safety, which would be disrupted if the police refuse to discharge their duty.
Maintenance of public order and protection of property, besides crime detection was an essential duty of police, said the order which comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's warning against any act of "indiscipline" by the force.

As the police association, protesting the alleged harassment of lower rung police personnel by senior officials and lesser pay, persisted with its stand to go ahead with the en masse leave, Siddaramaiah had yesterday asked the force not to get instigated, saying there should not be any room for indiscipline.
He also said that the protest has been called by a non-recognised organisation and there should be no room for indiscipline in the police department that has the responsibility of protecting public life and property.
Akhila Karnataka Police Maha Sangha is spearheading the stir led by V Shashidhar, a suspended police personnel who is its founder-President.

Siddaramaiah has said government was willing to hold discussions with the police personnel on their grievances.
The association has highlighted the issues faced by police, particularly constables, pointing out irregular working hours coupled with no proper leave and pay anomaly, besides complaining about interference by politicians and influential persons.
It has also demanded a separate pay commission.